The Board of County Commissioners is the policy making and legislative body of this County. It is the County government's taxing, budgeting, appropriating and purchasing authority and holds title to County property. The Board is also responsible for hearing and ruling on annexations, approving drainage improvements through the petition ditch process, and making improvements and providing for solid
waste disposal. With the exception of Summit and Cuyahoga Counties, all Ohio counties have three county commissioners: two are elected at the time of the presidential election and one is elected at the time of the gubernatorial election. The county commissioner elected at the gubernatorial election takes office on January 1, and the two elected at the presidential election take office on January 2 and 3. Candidates for these two commissioner positions must file for either the January 2 or 3 position. The Board of County Commissioners act as a single body. All formal and official actions must have a majority or unanimous vote before they are passed. The Board of Commissioners has direct oversight of several departments including:
•Building and Grounds/Facilities – Maintenance ◦Courthouse
◦Courthouse Annex
◦Commissioner’s Annex
◦Defiance County East
◦Evergreen Lane Office Complex
◦Key Bank
◦Sheriff / 911
◦Sarah's House
◦EMA Building
◦Senior Centers in both Hicksville and Defiance
•Child Support Enforcement Agency
• Dog Warden
•Environmental and Administrative Services
• Family & Children First/Help Me Grow
• Job & Family Services
•Landfill
•Public Safety Services
•Records Center
•Senior Services
• Wastewater Operations
The organizational meeting of the Board of County Commissioners (ORC 305.05) occurs on the second Monday of January each year, when they must organize, elect a president and appoint a clerk. The Commissioners must hold at least 50 regular meetings per year (ORC 305.06) and as many special meetings as necessary to conduct their business. The salaries of Commissioners are established by state law, based on population.
